Quote:
Originally Posted by ausastronomer
Hi all,
I am a bit undecided on this, notwithstanding I voted for April.
The advantages of March are:-
1) Warmer nights.
2) More time after dinner to get set up for the evening.
The advantages of April are:-
1) Less likelihood of rain.
2) "Arguably" better targets to observe
3) Can coincide with school holidays.
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All valid points John.
However even in April 2013, school holidays doesn't start until the Saturday. But being at the end of the school term, most parents probably wouldn't worry too much about taking their kids out of school for 1 or 2 days.
Easter can also fall in inconvenient times in April. If the new Moon falls at Easter, I'm not sure people would spend their easter public holidays at the star party. In 2013, Easter is 2 weeks earlier so it's not a problem in that case.
The other advantages of March:
- Usually 1 or 2 months before SPSP
In April, it will either be 1 month before, or possibly at the same time! Waiting to hear back from the ASNSW president regarding their date for 2013.
Would it worry people if the two star parties were in consecutive months, or would people prefer a month gap in-between?
I don't know how many go to both, but I would imagine it's a reasonable percentage.